From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Following the collapse of a five-storey building under construction at the Fegge area of Onitsha, on Sunday, the Anambra State government has declared war on illegal structures dotting different areas in the commercial city.
Consequently, over 300 illegal structures and five plazas built as shops were demolished, yesterday, in Onitsha by the Onitsha South local Government Council.
The illegal structures were said to have been built by traders who allegedly got the approval of the National Inland Waterways (NIWA), which Governor Charles Soludo stated that the organisation did not have the right to build or allocate spaces to traders.
Soludo had, during the inspection of roads constructed by his administration, ordered the Onitsha South local government Chairman, Chief Emeka Joseph Orji, to demolish the illegal structures as, according to him, the land belongs to Anambra State and not NIWA.
“The code or bye laws establishing NIWA gave the organisation 100 metres from the banks of the River Niger as right of easement, but what we are seeing here are illegal structures and should be demolished,” he said.
This development is coming as the area which spans up to two acres of land resides on the fringe of the River Niger, housing shanty settlements of street urchins credited to be harbingers of hoodlums.
Chairman, Onitsha South local government area, Chief Emeka Joseph Orji, who was at the site to supervise the demolition, said when he was sworn in as council chairman last year, he came there and issued them notice to move out, with series of follow up quit notices, but they remained adamant.
“Then, last week, Mr Governor came here and told them that this place is not for shops or markets and ordered me to demolish the area, but I gave them another one week notice, which ended today,” he said.
The area, according to Orji, would be barricaded and cleared for the establishment of a Seaside Resort, which would have green park areas with umbrella trees for relaxation and amusement.
On the collapsed five-storey building in the area, Orji announced that most buildings currently under construction would be subjected to integrity tests as directed by Governor Soludo, which includes material and quality tests, adding that after meeting with the Chairman, Physical Planning Board, in Awka government, would commence the process.
“Everywhere cannot be marketed in Onitsha, and we have declared war on illegal structures and we shall ensure that the right thing is done about building collapse in Onitsha South local government area,” he said.
While the demolition was ongoing, the Hausa Community in the area, led by the Secretary of Hausa Community in Onitsha North local South local government area, Alhaji Ishawu Imam, whose father is the Sariki of the Hausa Community, expressed appreciation that the council chairman gave them time like he gave other residents to move out their property, adding that the Hausa community in Onitsha South are happy with the developmental status of Governor Soludo’s administration, pledging to continue to support him.